Hey, guys.
Lets have a discussion!
The topic of conversation is rather current at the moment: Foo Fighters.
If you don't already know, the organizers of the recent Heartlands Festival are endeavouring to tempt Dave Grohl & Co. to play a show in Cornwall, as, arguably, we are not exactly on the touring circuit.
After the recent success of their festival, bringing in headline acts such as Boom Town Rats, UB40 and Happy Monday, it did seem disconcerning as to why Cornwall doesn't typically host bigger named acts, arguably, more current as well.
As of this writing, 90% of donations have been pledged by locals to the tune of over £250,000.
Here are two recent articles with polar perspectives:
Personally speaking, I am siding with NME's view as Laura has expressed the same concerns that I have to a few people when discussing this topic. But don't get me wrong - I am pretty happy about Heartlands putting Cornwall in the mainstream to promote the demand for the future gigs to happen, engaging us within the mainstream gig-circuit.
As of this writing, 2,228 people have pledged to bring Foo's to Cornwall. But I attend shows constantly that are practically empty for the most part, even though I've seen the promotion (viral, posters, fliers), and I myself have strained all attempts at putting on shows for less than a handful of people to attend.
It really felt like no-one would provide a chance to hear an act that they are unfamiliar with and it was disappointing, because the quality was just as good or even better, more organic, rich in charisma etc (subjectivity at play here.).
The most poignant aspect of Laura's NME article that stuck out was the idea to invest that money into the local scene, restore an old buiding, kit it out, have a bar to assists in cost covering, run it by those highly active in the community and all come together and celebrate all the music, art and creativity that Cornwall has to offer. Because we have SO much to offer, musically speaking and off the top of my head, we cover the genres of Punk, electronic, noise, acoustic, indie, metal, blues, jazz, avant-garde just to name a near few.
To invest all this money into a bands performance for 1h-2h in pale comparison to creating a hub, or even into the current venues around Cornwall to ensure every reputable venue has a P.A., has a professional sound person working along with aspiring sound people as work experience, broader advertising, better opportunities (the list could go on), is a little ill in my mind.
I'd actually like Foo's would see the demand and come play, however, I'd like them to not take all the money and invest it into the poorest region in the U.K. instead to promote the scene that could create a band or musician to eventually be able to be in the position of famous as themselves.
Those are just some of my thoughts, but I'd love to hear some of yours!
Are you for this? Against it? Undecided? Will you be attending? And what do you think about the local scene at the moment, does it require a large sum of investment? Will an investment come to Cornwall as a result of this gig?
Questions!?
Lets talk!
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Foo fighters campaign:
http://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/foofighters/updates/
Nat Gyll-Murray
Yep. What ed said. I really don't know what the right answer is. It could be a great thing for Cornwall for the foo fighters to play here but then what?
I like the idea of a done up venue... But that doesn't stop the problem of the size of the county and the poor transport. I think transport is a huge part of the problem.
That and apathy...
I like the idea of a done up venue... But that doesn't stop the problem of the size of the county and the poor transport. I think transport is a huge part of the problem.
That and apathy...
Louella Jade Eke
Sometimes I think of the the Camborne/
I love it, but it has a terrible reputation and I don't know that one gig including the foo fighters would bring enough money into the local community to fund a better future for it.
I live in st Austell, and I've got family living in Redruth, and I've also lived in Penzance, so I've seen each area at every point in the year. I'm also a busker and gigging musician, so I'm musically attached to the kickstarter for other reasons than money.
The Foos would be good for local funding, awesome gig, reputation of heartlands as a gig venue, local bands to support big names, the list could go on.
The Foos would be bad for clogging up our small towns/roads, bringing extra crime to the area (requiring extra police for the event), making this gig a one hit wonder, and exhausting the little money Cornwall claims it doesn't have.
There WAS a big band gigging venue in st Austell many moons ago, on Carlyon Bay.
The Colisseum! I often go down to the beach and walk past the ruins of that amazing building, wishing I could have been a fly on the wall when the like of Fleetwood Mac and The Kinks played there. Wouldn't it be amazing if we put that 250,000 into fixing up the coliseum, cleaning up the beach, and getting big bands to play there all year round?!
I understand that this kickstarter is to bring business to Redruth/
Because everyone knows the tourists go back home in the winter, well let's entice them back with LOTS OF GIGS!!!
Or something.
I love it, but it has a terrible reputation and I don't know that one gig including the foo fighters would bring enough money into the local community to fund a better future for it.
I live in st Austell, and I've got family living in Redruth, and I've also lived in Penzance, so I've seen each area at every point in the year. I'm also a busker and gigging musician, so I'm musically attached to the kickstarter for other reasons than money.
The Foos would be good for local funding, awesome gig, reputation of heartlands as a gig venue, local bands to support big names, the list could go on.
The Foos would be bad for clogging up our small towns/roads, bringing extra crime to the area (requiring extra police for the event), making this gig a one hit wonder, and exhausting the little money Cornwall claims it doesn't have.
There WAS a big band gigging venue in st Austell many moons ago, on Carlyon Bay.
The Colisseum! I often go down to the beach and walk past the ruins of that amazing building, wishing I could have been a fly on the wall when the like of Fleetwood Mac and The Kinks played there. Wouldn't it be amazing if we put that 250,000 into fixing up the coliseum, cleaning up the beach, and getting big bands to play there all year round?!
I understand that this kickstarter is to bring business to Redruth/
Because everyone knows the tourists go back home in the winter, well let's entice them back with LOTS OF GIGS!!!
Or something.
Ryan Jones
Bands and brands are now so very similar in the collective psyche and to gain momentum as an artist you must except to push the boulder up the beacon! Music in the mainstream has become an industrial process and the public have become increasingly aware that identity and soul within music is being exchanged in favour of marketability (or for the writers; synchronisation
Craig Matthews
The main point that neither article seems to look at, is that there is no £250k investment opportunity - that money is pledged towards a gig, and doesn't exist if the show doesn't happen.
The idea of the Foo Fighters turning the money down and suggesting reinvesting it is a nice one, of course, but it isn't quarter of a million going to their pockets - think of it more as advance ticket sales, it also needs to cover venue hire, stage setup, sound hire & engineers, staff & security, promotion, etc etc. There really is no option of that money being used for anything different.
On the plus side, this crowdfunder has already drawn attention to the demand for events in Cornwall. 2000 people is, realistically, pretty low, but this method of booking (or attempting to book) bands is in it's infancy and it's nice to see Heartlands getting in on it early. It is currently newsworthy, and along with the Eden Sessions, does show there's a market for bigger bands - if done properly, could well lead to more large events in Cornwall.
Heartlands have already shown that they're willing to put on a large act with a number of local supports, and if that's something they & others can continue, it'd be a great opportunity for a grassroots scene to grow from it. I'm quietly optimistic at the moment, but we'll see what happens
The idea of the Foo Fighters turning the money down and suggesting reinvesting it is a nice one, of course, but it isn't quarter of a million going to their pockets - think of it more as advance ticket sales, it also needs to cover venue hire, stage setup, sound hire & engineers, staff & security, promotion, etc etc. There really is no option of that money being used for anything different.
On the plus side, this crowdfunder has already drawn attention to the demand for events in Cornwall. 2000 people is, realistically, pretty low, but this method of booking (or attempting to book) bands is in it's infancy and it's nice to see Heartlands getting in on it early. It is currently newsworthy, and along with the Eden Sessions, does show there's a market for bigger bands - if done properly, could well lead to more large events in Cornwall.
Heartlands have already shown that they're willing to put on a large act with a number of local supports, and if that's something they & others can continue, it'd be a great opportunity for a grassroots scene to grow from it. I'm quietly optimistic at the moment, but we'll see what happens
Chris Martin
as much as i agree with all the points made with both sides of the arguement, and i dont want to put a downer on this conversation, the scene down here naturally ebs and flows, every few years it dies down and then it picks up again, in particular the heavy music scene down here was genuinely amazing a couple years ago, so much so that everyone else in the country and even people and bands from around the world was looking at us and going what the fuck, how did that happen, and why is it so good here. but it was a perfect storm at the time of all the right people doing the right things. sadly nearly all of those people have moved on or moved away. i guess my point is, that it can happen here, its happened before, but there needs to be the right level of input from a whole host of people at different levels, whether its bands/
as for public transport, thats a major one, because its shit down here and we are completely forgotten about because everyone assumes that everyone can drive or has access to it, which is far from the case.but there are ways and means around this. lift shares, letting people crash over etc. also thinking outside the box, venues dont have to be what everyone traditionally thinks they are, they dont have to be purpose built, they dont have to be in bars. there are hundreds of scout huts/village and town halls etc, as for sound engineers i can tell you right now that anyone studying sound at college or uni would jump at the chance to gain some experience and do it for a night and they probly wouldnt charge much if anything.
i do think that foos coming here has the potential to reignite, but doing one thing down here is never a means to an end, the people behind it will need to move quickly and make sure that they keep the momentum if anything is to be gained from it. it is mind boggling that the gig circuit in this country stops at bristol (or in some cases exeter) for established acts when we have venues the same size or bigger down here.
unfortunately as well recently due to redevelopment plymouth has just lost the best music venue its ever had (the white rabbit), that was doing all the right and was pulling all the big bands (although not quite on the same level of big as the foos) in from around the world. i seriously hope that another venue pops up soon, or things are about to get alot worse down here than they already are.
as for public transport, thats a major one, because its shit down here and we are completely forgotten about because everyone assumes that everyone can drive or has access to it, which is far from the case.but there are ways and means around this. lift shares, letting people crash over etc. also thinking outside the box, venues dont have to be what everyone traditionally thinks they are, they dont have to be purpose built, they dont have to be in bars. there are hundreds of scout huts/village and town halls etc, as for sound engineers i can tell you right now that anyone studying sound at college or uni would jump at the chance to gain some experience and do it for a night and they probly wouldnt charge much if anything.
i do think that foos coming here has the potential to reignite, but doing one thing down here is never a means to an end, the people behind it will need to move quickly and make sure that they keep the momentum if anything is to be gained from it. it is mind boggling that the gig circuit in this country stops at bristol (or in some cases exeter) for established acts when we have venues the same size or bigger down here.
unfortunately as well recently due to redevelopment plymouth has just lost the best music venue its ever had (the white rabbit), that was doing all the right and was pulling all the big bands (although not quite on the same level of big as the foos) in from around the world. i seriously hope that another venue pops up soon, or things are about to get alot worse down here than they already are.
Louella Jade Eke
Angela Young
As some of you may be aware I am one half of Warner Young Management behind Live at Heartlands. Firstly, just want to say James and I are 100% local, based in Aggie, unlike the suggestion in the NME article! I'm not going to comment on whether Nigel in the video counts as a slimy businessman tho
Everyone talking about investing in the long term scene here - you are absolutely right. I grew up in Meva and LOVED the Coliseum. The Foos gig is one step in a long-term plan that we have, and that plan includes a big new venue and ongoing investment. We knew there was no point building a venue when a) the majority of people in Cornwall are not in the habit of going to gigs (as you've all said) and b) when the booking agents don't even have Cornwall on their map. And I mean that literally - I have seen touring maps that are cut off at Bristol to save space on the wall! Mine and James' background is in music outside Cornwall even tho we live here. Last year we decided we'd had enough of having our home county ignored, and that's when we started planning gigs. We hoped we could get the big names here through the normal channels but it became clear a few weeks ago we needed something more spectacular to get Cornwall noticed, hence the campaign.
As many people have noted - the Foos money doesn't exist if the gig doesn't go ahead. You will not get that £250k out of the public to put towards anything else. But if we do get the gig, and the media attention that comes with it, we will *then* attract the investment and the ticket sales we need going forward. I'm simplifying how it's going to work of course, but that's the basics.
This is not either/or, getting the Foos does not mean the local scene will not benefit. The aim is quite the opposite, and we've been talking to loads of relevant people about making sure we do this in the right way. Laura didn't ask us about our long term plans or even our aims for the Foos gig, she assumed it was some money-grabbing exercise from someone out of county. It's not. Yes the Foos fee will go out of county, but every other bit of cash that goes into the event will stay here - we used ALL Cornish suppliers for Heartlands, PA, staging, LX, security, everything - and we will do the same with this gig.
We intend to make the outline venue plans public after the Foos gig has happened (if it does!) when we know people will listen. As it stands we've got a location and we've got council support (and without that it wouldn't be going anywhere), so the next stage will be consulting with as many promoters and musicians as possible to make sure it fits what everyone wants.
You're right it's time for a revolution! But in the music business, that doesn't always take the most obvious form. The Foos campaign is part of something bigger, we just haven't talked about it publicly because it would distract from the 'pledge for the Foos' message that is crucial right now.
Sorry for the epic post but I hope it's relevant. I can't promise the Foos gig will change the entire music scene for the better down here and that an amazing venue that's always sold out will follow, but we reckon it's our best chance.
Everyone talking about investing in the long term scene here - you are absolutely right. I grew up in Meva and LOVED the Coliseum. The Foos gig is one step in a long-term plan that we have, and that plan includes a big new venue and ongoing investment. We knew there was no point building a venue when a) the majority of people in Cornwall are not in the habit of going to gigs (as you've all said) and b) when the booking agents don't even have Cornwall on their map. And I mean that literally - I have seen touring maps that are cut off at Bristol to save space on the wall! Mine and James' background is in music outside Cornwall even tho we live here. Last year we decided we'd had enough of having our home county ignored, and that's when we started planning gigs. We hoped we could get the big names here through the normal channels but it became clear a few weeks ago we needed something more spectacular to get Cornwall noticed, hence the campaign.
As many people have noted - the Foos money doesn't exist if the gig doesn't go ahead. You will not get that £250k out of the public to put towards anything else. But if we do get the gig, and the media attention that comes with it, we will *then* attract the investment and the ticket sales we need going forward. I'm simplifying how it's going to work of course, but that's the basics.
This is not either/or, getting the Foos does not mean the local scene will not benefit. The aim is quite the opposite, and we've been talking to loads of relevant people about making sure we do this in the right way. Laura didn't ask us about our long term plans or even our aims for the Foos gig, she assumed it was some money-grabbing exercise from someone out of county. It's not. Yes the Foos fee will go out of county, but every other bit of cash that goes into the event will stay here - we used ALL Cornish suppliers for Heartlands, PA, staging, LX, security, everything - and we will do the same with this gig.
We intend to make the outline venue plans public after the Foos gig has happened (if it does!) when we know people will listen. As it stands we've got a location and we've got council support (and without that it wouldn't be going anywhere), so the next stage will be consulting with as many promoters and musicians as possible to make sure it fits what everyone wants.
You're right it's time for a revolution! But in the music business, that doesn't always take the most obvious form. The Foos campaign is part of something bigger, we just haven't talked about it publicly because it would distract from the 'pledge for the Foos' message that is crucial right now.
Sorry for the epic post but I hope it's relevant. I can't promise the Foos gig will change the entire music scene for the better down here and that an amazing venue that's always sold out will follow, but we reckon it's our best chance.
Angela Young
Agh I've read my post back and despite being really long it's still so simplistic. I should have just said - there's more to the Foos gig than we've said publicly and we promise the aim is to benefit Cornwall in the long term! We want to have a big get together when everyone can have their say about 'what Cornwall needs', but we want this gig to happen first so that we can prove we are up to the job.
Angela Young
Also - to all the brilliant small venues that Cornwall has, it is not our intention that a new big venue will kill them at all. We've already thought about how to stop that happening, but will get input from venue owners when this goes to the next stage too. See this is why we haven't really said much yet, it's such a complex thing and I know people will be naturally concerned about change!
Ryan Jones
Angela Young You are doing a great job! Supply and demand! You're delivering a service to thousands of people and as a bi product, raising the profile of the south west, both its musical infrastructure and its artists. In addition to all of that the foo's gig will inspire many people to pick up the guitar or drums or bass, maybe get some lessons. It's all very positive! Stick to your business model and keep on pushing. When you've made a few hundred thousand then re invest but until then we're very pleased to have you! Now.... could you start thinking about booking a Ryan Adam's and Regina Spektor double headline please?
Angela Young
Lol, I'll bear it in mind Ryan! I've got to cater to all the people who have asked for Metallica and RHCP as well Thanks for the support. I did have a 14yo kid email me after Heartlands from Pool saying he'd never been to a gig before because his parents didn't usually bother but now he wanted to learn to play guitar, and offering to volunteer at future events. It sounds cheesy but that gave me a warm fuzzy feeling like nothing else. By the time my kids hit adulthood I hope there'll be enough of a 'music economy' here that they can choose a career in music, whether it's performance or production, without having to leave Cornwall. My oldest is 13 so I've only got 5 years!
Thanks for the support. I did have a 14yo kid email me after Heartlands from Pool saying he'd never been to a gig before because his parents didn't usually bother but now he wanted to learn to play guitar, and offering to volunteer at future events. It sounds cheesy but that gave me a warm fuzzy feeling like nothing else. By the time my kids hit adulthood I hope there'll be enough of a 'music economy' here that they can choose a career in music, whether it's performance or production, without having to leave Cornwall. My oldest is 13 so I've only got 5 years!Louella Jade Eke
Awesome post Angela!
And of course without suggesting getting the foos to play there wouldn't be any attention on the state of the cornish music scene, whether it's good or bad. We all know that any publicity is good publicity.
Building a long term music scene is understandably the main priority and it's wonderful to hear you say that it's in YOUR best interest also.
The one massive thing that has pissed me off from the start is the fact that down here in Cornwall, we all claim to be "too poor to go to the gig" or whatever, even when it's a free entry pub gig, yet mention the foo fighters, and we raise £250,000 plus!
It's not necessarily the idea of one massive gig that bothers me, it's the people who have donated that bother me.
I'll never believe people suggesting Cornwall is poor ever again. It's absolute rubbish!
I'd love to know when you're having that meeting to sort the music scene out. How will I know when/where it's happening to get involved?
And of course without suggesting getting the foos to play there wouldn't be any attention on the state of the cornish music scene, whether it's good or bad. We all know that any publicity is good publicity.
Building a long term music scene is understandably the main priority and it's wonderful to hear you say that it's in YOUR best interest also.
The one massive thing that has pissed me off from the start is the fact that down here in Cornwall, we all claim to be "too poor to go to the gig" or whatever, even when it's a free entry pub gig, yet mention the foo fighters, and we raise £250,000 plus!
It's not necessarily the idea of one massive gig that bothers me, it's the people who have donated that bother me.
I'll never believe people suggesting Cornwall is poor ever again. It's absolute rubbish!
I'd love to know when you're having that meeting to sort the music scene out. How will I know when/where it's happening to get involved?
Angela Young
We'll tell everyone we possibly can via all the local music pages, contact all the artists we know etc. I'll ask Lee Trewhela to promote it via the What's On pages in the paper and online too, and we'll give it enough time for people to spread the word. Hopefully we will reach everyone who will be interested in having a say! And I totally agree about the 'Cornwall is too poor' thing - we got SO much stick for trying to hold an event in the most deprived area of Cornwall, but look what happened... I'm not going to moan about people who have pledged to see the Foos but who don't usually go to gigs because there are really good reasons - transport being one, promotion of events being another etc etc, but I do completely share your frustration.
Angela Young
Yep! I think we've gone some way to proving the 'we're too poor' thing is not a good reason any more, so hopefully that one will get dropped at least! Transport is a problem, and part of our job will be kicking the Council's arse to ensure better evening and late-night travel. We were promised late night buses for the festival and then they pulled them at the last minute, but at least now I know who and what we are up against.
Louella Jade Eke
Fantastic! Good luck!
Also, since we are "so poor" perhaps public transport could be made a little cheaper.
And perhaps a money management course wouldn't go amiss?
I have to stop thinking about this now otherwise my head's going to explode lol.
Good luck and I hope to hear more good stuff soon!
Also, since we are "so poor" perhaps public transport could be made a little cheaper.
And perhaps a money management course wouldn't go amiss?
I have to stop thinking about this now otherwise my head's going to explode lol.
Good luck and I hope to hear more good stuff soon!
Chris Islacking
Angela,
This has been utterly enlightening! Thanks for taking the time to address this actively and as informatively as you have displayed.
I'm excited for the futures prospects as a result of this gig - hopefully the people who attend the show realise that local music is in complete abundance and class (as was displayed on the skinners stage at Live at Heartlands) and cite to endeavour visiting more local gigs. More punters, more economical structure for the venues currently in place and a longer time on our own circuit.
It's a shame to hear about the buses. Transport is definitely the biggest fight that faces the local scene, and it's surprising that they even turned down heartlands; there was likely to be a big demand for it.
Onwards and upwards with this! Great work with it I'm sure it will cascade ripples of positivity for the arts sector of Cornwall!
Following Louella's post - would there be an open meeting to discuss plans for the future? I'm sure a few of us would be keen to be involved and help out wherever possible!
X
This has been utterly enlightening! Thanks for taking the time to address this actively and as informatively as you have displayed.
I'm excited for the futures prospects as a result of this gig - hopefully the people who attend the show realise that local music is in complete abundance and class (as was displayed on the skinners stage at Live at Heartlands) and cite to endeavour visiting more local gigs. More punters, more economical structure for the venues currently in place and a longer time on our own circuit.
It's a shame to hear about the buses. Transport is definitely the biggest fight that faces the local scene, and it's surprising that they even turned down heartlands; there was likely to be a big demand for it.
Onwards and upwards with this! Great work with it I'm sure it will cascade ripples of positivity for the arts sector of Cornwall!
Following Louella's post - would there be an open meeting to discuss plans for the future? I'm sure a few of us would be keen to be involved and help out wherever possible!
X
Phil Webb
Great post Angela! Anyone who promotes gigs in Cornwall knows its not easy but we need high profile artists to show the rest of the country that there are lots of music fans here just like everywhere else. We have an incredible developing music scene as Ryan points out - all of it needs support and we can raise the profile by working together, using the media attention international artists bring to show the world that Cornwall has an amazing amount of musical talent and to give Cornwall's musicians greater opportunities.
Angela Young
Sorry for hijacking the post, I'm happy to hear alternative opinions so please do keep discussing this - just wanted to put my perspective in! Yes the meeting I've mentioned will be an open one, with an invite to anyone and everyone who'd like to help decide how we take the momentum from the Foos gig forward (we'll do it even if we end up with a 'no'). We'll have direct conversations with all the local promoters too, a new venue is pointless if they're not fully on-board because we can't run it entirely ourselves! I don't have a timescale yet because we want to let the Foos thing run its course first, we're conscious that if we start talking about things like a new venue and plans for the future the message to bring the Foos here will get diluted.
Baz St Leger
Real change/
Keith Hill
I'm sure some of you will have seen this already.... but here it is for those who haven't 
http://
http://
Chris Hawkins
About time someone addressed the 'No gigs in Cornwall' issue. if you read any of the music mags, and look at the gigs in the back pages, you will be lucky to find more than 2 or 3 in Cornwall, out of several hundred gigs in the rest of the country. Promotion has become a lost art since the demise of the Colosseum. Thanks for the vision, Angela!
Baz St Leger
Has Eden stopped their music sessions ? 2014
Dizzee Rascal plus Katy B; Skrillex; Pixar in Concert; Ellie Goulding; Pixies; Elbow
2013
Eddie Izzard; Kaiser Chiefs plus Tom Tom Club, Deap Vally; Sigur Ros plus Daughter, Willy Mason; The xx plus CHIC feat. Nile Rodgers; Jessie J plus A*M*E
Dizzee Rascal plus Katy B; Skrillex; Pixar in Concert; Ellie Goulding; Pixies; Elbow
2013
Eddie Izzard; Kaiser Chiefs plus Tom Tom Club, Deap Vally; Sigur Ros plus Daughter, Willy Mason; The xx plus CHIC feat. Nile Rodgers; Jessie J plus A*M*E
